Soyinka backs traditional medicine at Isese Festival

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has called on Nigerians to embrace traditional medicine, describing it as the oldest and most enduring form of health care.

Soyinka made the appeal on Wednesday in Abeokuta at a programme organised by the Ogun State Government in collaboration with traditionalists to mark the 2025 Isese Festival, held annually on Aug. 20.

Backing the celebration, Soyinka said Isese Day provides Nigerians with a vital opportunity to reconnect with their cultural roots.

He urged the public to rediscover their heritage and explore alternative medicine for healing and primary health care.

According to him, “One thing I must stress here is our herbs and roots, our traditional medicine, which the western world now calls pharmacology.”

The Nobel Laureate lamented the neglect of indigenous remedies, noting that many Nigerians still believe only hospitals can provide effective care.

He, however, observed that even proponents of western medicine are increasingly adopting natural therapies.

“Many people are retracing their steps. Producers of traditional medicine should not be afraid. It is the way forward and must be supported,” Soyinka said, while urging Nigerians to protect and preserve their cultural heritage.

Governor Dapo Abiodun congratulated traditionalists on the celebration of this year’s Isese Day and praised their unity.

Represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sesan Fagbayi, the governor assured that his administration would continue to support efforts to preserve cultural heritage.

“Isese Day has come to stay in Ogun,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to religious tolerance.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Ogun State Alternate Medicine Board, Nurudeen Olaleye, applauded the governor for keeping his campaign promise by declaring Aug. 20 a public holiday in honour of Isese Day.

Olaleye, however, appealed to the state government to do more in promoting alternate medicine, describing the sector as “a promising global goldmine waiting to be fully tapped.”